Metformin ameliorates the age-related changes of d-galactose administration in ovariectomized mice

Metformin (Met) has been shown to have pleiotropic effects such as neuroprotective, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties making that a potential candidate for the treatment of central nervous system (CNS) disorders. This study was designed to investigate the possible effect of Met on the d-galactose (d-gal)-induced aging in ovariectomized mice. The female mice underwent bilateral ovariectomy. d-gal was administered orally at a dose of 500 mg/kg, and Met was administrated orally at doses of 1 and 10 mg/kg for 6 weeks. Anxiety-like behavior was evaluated by the elevated plus-maze. Physical power was assessed by vertical grid holding test and forced swimming capacity test. The brains were assessed for the level of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). Ovariectomy caused anxiety and declined the physical power as well as BDNF and SOD levels. d-gal administration in ovariectomized mice exacerbated these deleterious effects. Met hampered the anxiety-like behavior and strengthened the physical power of d-gal-treated ovariectomized mice. Met also increased the SOD and BDNF levels in the brains of d-gal-treated ovariectomized animals. Based on the obtained results, we suggest Met administration as a novel therapeutic approach for the treatment of age-related conditions in the absence of female sex hormones.